Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:14:01 -0700 (PDT)
From: firehose Joe <firehosejoe@yahoo.com>
Subject: To Thine Own Self Be True Chapter 41

This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
Shakespeare (Hamlet)

Thanks to Chael for assistance in editing and proofing the story. This
is wholly fictional with no reference intended to persons alive or dead.

Please do not distribute to other sites without permission of the
author. Comments can be sent to firehosejoe@yahoo.com

From the previous chapter:

"Careful what you wish for, my friend. I can make that dream come true,"
Nicco said with a suggestive chuckle.

They agreed on a time. Alejandro whistled softly as he tidied his desk and
reviewed his notes for the week to come. It would be busy but he had a
weekend to play and was looking forward to it. Walking to his car, he felt
his dick thicken as he idly wondered what was in store for the night. It
made him smile.

Chapter 41

He drove himself to Nicco's. His wrestling gear was in his gym bag. He
wondered if he'd even put it on. Damn, was he ready for this? His cock,
nestled in his jock strap surged at the thought. Nicco greeted him warmly,
with a handshake and a hug.

They went upstairs to the spacious apartment over the office section of his
thriving business. The atmosphere was subtly charged with sexual tension as
they discussed their weeks.

"Business has grown. It is a mixed blessing, however," Nicco said. "My
customers are increasing. Finding people you can trust with your livelihood
is not easy. I drive hours each day. Paperwork and phone calls I do at
night. I sound like I'm complaining, but be assured, I count my blessings."

Shifting on the couch they shared so he could look at Nicco, Alejandro
filled in the details of his week helping Charles. When he mentioned the
trip to California he quickly warmed to his tale. With the description of
Grapple Grotto and the wrestling episode there, Nicco adjusted his swelling
crotch and his chest rumbled as he affirmed Alejandro's willingness to jump
to the man's rescue. Stories of Zach and their time in bed fueled Nicco's
and Alejandro's need for sex.

Reaching over to caress Alejandro's hardened nipple beneath the fabric of
his shirt, Nicco said in a low voice, husky with desire, "I've missed
you. Sometimes while driving I think of my youth, my days in the sun high
in the hills near Athens. I wish somehow I could go back to that time and
place and explore it with you."

Alejandro's cock stretched the pouch of his jock. His jeans made it
uncomfortable. He stood, reached inside his pants and adjusted
himself. Nicco watched, desire building in his eyes. Alejandro approached
Nicco and knelt on the couch cushion, straddling Nicco's thighs.

"I would like to share that time and place with you. Tell me again of the
wrestling you shared with your friend," Alejandro said softly as he began
to unbutton Nicco's blue denim shirt.

As Nicco talked, Alejandro exposed Nicco's broad chest. He lifted the T
with both hands and let his fingers kneed the thick muscle of the furry
pecs. Capturing the engorged nipples between his knuckles, Alejandro
pinched them and watched with pleasure as Nicco gasped.

"Don't stop. Tell me more," Alejandro said in a soothing voice as he began
to remove Nicco's outer shirt, then his T. Occasionally Nicco's voice
caught in his throat with the increasing lust. Nicco described the low,
sun-drenched mountains near his home and the pleasure of wrestling and
sexual exploration he and his friend had enjoyed.  Alejandro roughly played
with the mounded flesh of Nicco's muscled chest. Raking his fingers through
the dense hair he kept his eyes glued to Nicco's, watching his need
build. Idly Alejandro twisted the nips between thumb and
forefinger. Finally Nicco became silent.

When he spoke it was with quiet warning and challenge. "You play with me,
Young Pup. You build the fire and speak of wrestling with me. You say you
want all I've got and more. If we wrestle it will be much more than just
play. I say this not as a threat or challenge. I say it only because it is
true."

Alejandro met Nicco's gaze. He realized this time together would be
different. He'd been warned.

Alejandro held Nicco's gaze a moment more, knowing he was stepping over the
edge of an unknown. He gave himself no choice. He wanted this
badly. Pushing back against Nicco's chest, Alejandro stood up and took a
step back. He pulled off his shirt, toed off his shoes and stripped off his
jeans and boxers in one fluid motion. He stood in front of Nicco, his dick
rigid and throbbing.

Nicco slightly shrugged his shoulders; an unreadable smile played at the
corners of his mouth. He stood and walked to a nearby double closet and
opened the door. Wrestling mats hung from a wheeled frame. Nicco pulled it
to the center of the room.

"Move that table, please." Nicco said nothing more but began to spread the
mats on the floor and secure them together. When the mats were arranged,
Nicco stood, toed off his shoes and removed his jeans and briefs. His long,
thick muscle had deflated only slightly and hung heavily over his
generously filled scrotum.

As he stepped onto the mats, Nicco gestured with his fingers that Alejandro
should join him. Nicco let his eyes wander leisurely across Alejandro's
heavily muscled body. He took in the knotted calf muscles, the thick,
corded quads and the tapered waist. Alejandro's torso spread powerfully
from the tight abs rising out of his thick pubes. Nicco took it all in as
his cock steadily filled and began to pulse. A slow long drip of precum
fell to the mat. For Alejandro the silence and anticipation were nearly
maddening.

Slowly Nicco crouched and began to circle. His arms were raised ready to
lock up with Alejandro. As Alejandro joined in the dance of the circle,
time slowed. He remembered his first match with Nicco. He felt flushed. His
breath was coming in short gasps. He took deeper breaths knowing he'd soon
need every resource at his disposal. They circled as they drew nearer each
other. Nicco made the first move.

They locked up, collar and elbow, each shuffling his feet for
advantage. Nicco lifted an arm - indecisively it seemed to Alejandro. For a
second he thought the older man's timing was off. Not so! As Alejandro
moved to take advantage Nicco tightened his grip around Alejandro's neck,
spun him around and lifted him in a reverse bear hug. Alejandro felt his
air forced out with the suddenness and strength of the move. Nicco swung
him back and forth as if he were a ragdoll, all the while grinding
Alejandro's plexus with his knotted fists.

Abruptly Alejandro was slammed down to the mat. Nicco fell heavily atop
him. Alejandro's legs were shoved apart by Nicco's. Nicco captured
Alejandro's wrist and pulled it back behind his head, effectively gaining
total control.

Alejandro felt weight shift and heard Nicco spit. Nicco pushed the spittle
on his fingers roughly between Alejandro's cheeks. Instantly, Alejandro
clinched his glutes. The muscled mounds forbad further entry.

"Relax them," Nicco ordered.

Alejandro was beginning to panic. Before he had another thought, Nicco
roared, "Relax them!"

The sharp sound of the slap against Alejandro's ass cheek echoed against
the walls. Alejandro was so startled his reflex let the muscles grow slack
for a few seconds. Nicco let his open palm slide along the inside of the
crack spreading his spit.

"Nicco, please don't take me like this. You'll rip me apart." Alejandro's
voice was filled with panic.

"Alex, when have I ever intentionally hurt you?" Nicco roughly
chided. Alejandro heard the man spit again. The open palm swiped his crack
again.

Nicco put his hand in front of Alejandro and said, "Spit. I don't want this
to be too rough. I just need to give my balls some relief."

Alejandro hesitated, momentarily confused and a bit put off, but he
spit. Alejandro felt his own spit used to lube his crack. Maintaining his
control over Alejandro, Nicco then slid lower down Alejandro's back and
began to push his cock into the spit-slicked crack. Alejandro knew from
experience that Nicco produced copious amounts of precum which was adding
to the slickness.

Nicco settled into a rhythm as he rutted deeply in the hot space. With
groans and grunts he pushed deeper into the crack, grazing the ring but
never attempting to penetrate it. Their bodies were making sucking sounds
as Nicco pressed against Alejandro's back. Finally the sounds
changed. Nicco's groans became low growls as he pushed deeper, increasing
the friction and his pleasure. At last Alejandro felt Nicco slide
lower. Alejandro felt Nicco's massive cockhead begin at the base of his
balls as Nicco forced himself up the length of the crack. The intensity
built. Finally with a deep groan, Nicco's sperm flooded Alejandro's
crevice. He continued pumping his load `til it finally slowed.

Releasing Alejandro's wrist, Nicco collapsed on Alejandro's back resting
his forehead against the nape of Alejandro's neck. His breathing was
ragged, warm and moist. They both remained still. After a moment Nicco
rolled off Alejandro and lay on his back. Nicco's chest was heaving from
the effort and release. His eyes closed, relishing the moment. Alejandro
watched his friend and wondered what would come next.

As if hearing the unspoken thought, Nicco turned his head and looked at
Alejandro. Taking his forefinger and thumb, Nicco grasped the base of his
cock and pulled out the last dribble of cum. He caught it on his thumb and
as he wiped it across his matted chest hair he said, "That was good. Now I
can concentrate on wrestling."

He effortlessly rolled forward and in one smooth motion stood. Looking down
where Alejandro lay, Nicco said, "Wait here and don't bother cleaning that
up. I plan to make another deposit." With a chuckle he walked toward the
hall.

"What the hell! Where are you going, damnit?" Alejandro yelled!

Nicco tossed off a comment over his shoulder. "I'm getting us some
Speedos. We're going to wrestle. We're both big men and need the support."
A few seconds later Nicco returned and tossed a pair of Speedos to
Alejandro and stepped into his own.

"Don't worry about the mess. Before the night is over I hope we're both
covered in cum. But first, we wrestle," Nicco said as he offered Alejandro
a hand up. Alejandro slipped into the stretchy fabric. Nicco looked at him
appraisingly as he stepped back and crouched in a wrestler's stance.

Nicco was explosively fast. He tied Alejandro up tightly, taking them to
the mat. Alejandro fought back with all the energy, skill and strength he
had, but found himself sorely lacking. Nicco was master of the moment.

At one point when Nicco had Alejandro racked across his
shoulders. Stretching his spine he said, "You are strong but you forget,
I'm stronger. When you are traveling around the country, I'm here,
wrestling, sometimes several matches each weekend. We are both fast, but
you forget how tough I am."  With that he bounced Alejandro slightly making
him groan with the pain. Dropping Alejandro unceremoniously to the mats
Nicco fell on him with an elbow to Alejandro's gut. The wrestling
continued.

Nicco would from time to time stop to let Alejandro catch his
breath. Alejandro lay on the mat groaning and slightly writhing as his
muscles cramped and spasmed in response to the strain. Nicco held
Alejandro's head up during breaks to make him drink water.

"Just a little, Alex, but you must drink some," Nicco said somewhat
tenderly.

Finally Alejandro couldn't get off the mat. Each time he tried, he'd
stumble. After a couple of efforts, Nicco reached down and helped him
up. Pulling Alejandro's arm across his shoulder, Nicco supported him as he
took him to the shower.

He sat Alejandro on a bench in the large custom shower and knelt down to
help Alejandro remove his trunks. He adjusted the water and helped
Alejandro steady himself. They showered together, toweled off and went to
Nicco's bedroom to rest. Alejandro, though thoroughly exhausted, began to
rebound quickly. As the men talked, Nicco massaged Alejandro and helped him
stretch to minimize the cramps.

"Have you recovered enough to know if you are able to eat yet?" Nicco
asked.

As if on cue, Alejandro's stomach growled. They both laughed. Soon they
were heading out for a meal.

After they'd finished their meal, Nicco looked at Alejandro with some
uncertainty, "Can you stay the night? We have more to enjoy."

With a wry smile Alejandro said, "I believe you have the right of
conquest."

Nicco's eyes widened. "I'd never presume that with you. You know that."

Alejandro continued good-naturedly, "Well you had me a little confused a
couple of hours ago."

"I thought I explained that," Nicco said. "It seems to be a recurring
problem." His smile widened.

Alejandro laughed as he spoke, "Let's go. I'll let you get the check since
you were so rough earlier. God knows what you plan for later. From where I
lay, dinner will be a small price for what I think you're going to put me
through."

Nicco playfully cuffed him on the chin. "Let's go."

Later in Nicco's bedroom his preparation of Alejandro was methodical,
thorough and erotic. He wanted to make sure that what was to follow was
pleasurable for his young friend. Both men were covered in sweat when
Nicco's cudgel-like cock was buried to the hilt. Alejandro's face was
white, his breath coming in shallow gasps. Still, he urged Nicco on.

As Nicco's flared mushroom cockhead raked across Alejandro's prostate,
Alejandro saw stars. He wrapped his legs around Nicco's waist and countered
his moves to increase their pleasure. Alejandro was lost in the moment; the
stretching pain was forgotten in their climb toward release.

The feelings were so intense that when Alejandro reached his peak he
forcefully pulled Nicco deeper into him locking their bodies together. The
flash of pain as his ring tightened around Nicco's erection only increased
Alejandro's pleasure. He moaned and grunted as his cock spurted cum between
them. Nicco was careful not to take advantage of the moment. It would have
injured Alejandro. He gently thrust with short strokes until he felt his
cock pulse with its discharge.

After another shower and a drink they went to bed. Alejandro drifted
quickly into sleep comforted by the warmth and strength of Nicco spooned
behind him.

Charles returned a few days later. He filled Alejandro in on all the
details of the appraisal for furniture and art, the crating, shipping, and
furniture storage. It was a dizzying list of accomplishments, Alejandro had
to admit.

The story behind David and Louis was mostly good news; all good news,
Alejandro thought. Mr. Giboulette had all the documentation. The story he
told elicited both humor and emotion. Charlotte had been overwhelmed by her
husband's illness and all the responsibilities. She'd been loathe to
consider selling the Thibodaux place but it was in pristine condition and
would bring a good price.

Because of her acceptance of and love for Charles, she felt a kinship with
David and Louis. She was sure they would respect and care for the
property. She just didn't know how to tell Charles. On hearing the entire
story, he quickly came to agree with the wisdom of her decision but now had
to deal with Charlotte's parents' place. It seemed to Charles that it would
never end. He could only imagine how his Mother had felt.

Before Charles could become despondent, Alejandro changed the subject to
the birthday open house. Charles quickly warmed to the task, grateful for a
different challenge to confront. He assured Alejandro he'd take care of all
the details. It would be a party many would remember for years. Alejandro
had only to pay the bills. They both laughed.

Charles and the university had agreed to let the Interim Lecturer continue
through exams. It was a logical request for them to make and Charles was
glad, at the moment, to be free of the responsibility.

Before he could settle into any routine, Alejandro brought up the calendar
of spring board meetings. Charles checked with the Head Curator at the
Institute and was assured that they would be flexible as in the
past. Charles thought to himself it didn't hurt in the least that he was
traveling with one of their major donors.

Together Alejandro and Charles mapped out their travel plans to New York,
San Francisco, Miami - and Los Angles for a first time meeting with the Los
Angles County Museum of Art. The Algara's had been donors for decades but
when Alejandro received an invitation to join the board it came at the
right time. He'd not be following his Grandparents.

Zach was elated when he heard Alejandro was coming for the meeting in San
Francisco. He successfully masked his disappointment when he learned
Charles would be joining Alejandro. He tried to console himself that he was
the newcomer. It did little to salve his bruised hopes. He realized he had
unreasonable expectations, having known Alex for such a short time. Still,
faced with the facts, Zach maintained some hope.

When Winston got wind of Alejandro's return visit he insisted on arranging
a small dinner party of some of the old guard who had known and loved the
Algaras. Alejandro and Charles were warmly received. Of course, Zach was a
known entity and welcomed. As Zach watched the interchange between
Alejandro and Charles, he knew there was a deep friendship but one lacking
in romance. He was slightly encouraged.

Their visit to San Francisco was brief, only two nights. There was no time
for awkwardness to grow among the three men. Charles had heard all the
details of Alejandro's last visit and was not at all surprised to sense a
chill coming from Zach. There was nothing he could say, so he simply tried
to keep things friendly and gave Zach no reason for jealousy. He quietly
breathed a sigh of relief as they departed.

The visit to Miami was mostly for fun. There were no expectations, no
welcoming parties, only the business of the board, which was blessedly
brief. As Alejandro and Charles relaxed in their bed after vigorous
afternoon sex, they discussed potential plans for the evening.

Charles had heard of a club called The Birdcage that he insisted they
try. Alejandro was dubious about the entertainment value of female
impersonators as an evening of fun. He yielded to Charles' exuberance and
they headed off for the late dinner and show.

Alejandro was dazzled. His eyes were everywhere. This was a different
world. The flamboyance, the color, the outrageous mannerisms were too much
at first. Soon he realized he was part of a performance within a
performance. Overhead he watched as two men dressed in sequined leotards
swung on narrow swings similar to trapeze performers. Their lavender boas
gracefully trailed behind them.

He and Charles wandered through the club pointing out amusing and sometimes
shocking sights to one another. At the bar they both laughed when they saw
the `tip jar'. The bartender had a large pink teddy bear wearing a jock
strap obviously stuffed with a sock. From the top and along the sides of
the pouch were singles and five dollar bills. They couldn't resist and
stuffed in some currency of their own.

Dinner was good but the floor show was astounding. Staid Charles was
whistling through his fingers, a feat Alejandro had never mastered. At the
conclusion they both clapped and shouted their appreciation along with the
rest of the audience.

The next day they explored and found a section of beach on the Atlantic
side of Miami. South Beach, as it was known was supposedly
gay-friendly. They took their Speedos and towels and went to find out.
Though nudity was not obvious, there were numerous towels on the sand with
swim suits left behind as men of all ages frolicked in the warm ocean
water. The entire trip was a memory they'd recall time and again, they were
sure.

Back in Chicago their time was brief, made more so by Charles' unexpected
and hurried trip to Baton Rouge. The artwork had been appraised and he was
needed to determine dispersal, sale or storage. He flew directly to LA to
meet Alejandro who had flown out ahead.

There was a luncheon prior to the board meeting. Alejandro and Charles were
introduced by the chairman to various individuals. Alejandro sensed a bit
of surprise and veiled disdain at their relative youth. Of course they knew
the Algara name. They had done their homework but weren't pleased to
acknowledge they considered an upstart. At lunch Charles barely contained
his outrage at the behavior they'd encountered.

With an angry whisper, Charles observed, "There's not one person here who
knows beans from art I'm willing to bet. One of the pieces they are
considering is by an artist that has had suspect copies foisted on museums
for princely sums. His students copied his style and signed his name. They
all profited from the process and in the period it was not seen as
misrepresentation necessarily. If this piece is original to the master, it
would be a wonderful acquisition. If not, the others being considered are
far more worthy as additions."

Alejandro asked the chairman if Charles could sit in on the meeting as a
visitor. His request was granted, albeit a bit grudgingly.

When the topic of new acquisitions arose one painting soon became the
subject of everyone's attention. It was the one that Charles had
questioned. One member in particular was enthusiastic with his praise of
such a great opportunity for the museum. Nodding sagely, most of the
members seemed to agree. Alejandro doubted their combined knowledge of the
artist, period or piece would fill a post card. When the call for questions
came, Charles cleared his throat distinctly. Alejandro cast him a glance
and quickly saw that Charles wanted to speak.

Alejandro waited as one of the older members rambled on with irrelevant
points seemingly in support of the purchase. At his conclusion, Alejandro
raised his hand to the surprise and consternation of several members. Given
the floor, Alejandro said, "With your permission, Mr. Chairman, may I yield
my time to my colleague Mr. Charles Thibodaux. He is a curator for the
renowned Chicago Institute and a lecturer on Art History at the University
of Chicago."

There were some murmurings among some members. Of more interest to both
Charles and Alejandro were the dagger-like looks from the member who was
supporting the acquisition. The chairman granted Alejandro's request.

Charles stood and waited a moment, making eye contact with each
member. "Gentlemen, thank you for the privilege of joining your meeting and
particularly a discussion on acquisitions for this esteemed
institution. The choices for your consideration would be welcomed in any of
the great museums of this country. Of course the provenance of each should
be considered and vetted prior to purchase. My familiarity with the
contemporary pieces of this century is more limited. However I know of each
artist and have seen their work. These appear to be fine examples.

"The VanHoelbeck piece, however, gives me some concern. It is obviously
beautifully rendered in the style of the period and the master. However
recent research by various museums in both America and in Europe have
discovered numerous pieces once thought to be work of VanHoelbeck himself
are instead products of his students. A cursory examination will not yield
the information you likely seek but a careful examination of brush strokes
and other palate knife techniques quickly separate the master from his
students.

"Such examination is not my expertise and I would not pretend to be able to
advise on such matters but before millions of dollars are spent, a careful
examination is warranted. This is not my opinion but that of curators
world-wide."

With that, Charles resumed his seat. There was a momentary uncomfortable
silence as chairs shifted. The chairman looked to his right, directly at
the man who'd minutes ago enthusiastically supported the
expenditure. Alejandro noted a distinct but brief shaking of the member's
head.

"If there are no further questions..." the Chairman continued as if Charles
had never spoken.

Alejandro stood. "Mr. Chairman, if I may."

The Chairman was flustered that an issue was being made about a purchase
that was moments ago a foregone conclusion. He graciously said,
"Mr. Algara."

Clearing his throat softly and looking directly at the supporting committee
member, Alejandro said, "Though I am the newest and obviously the youngest
member of this august group, I feel further discussion is needed; more
importantly, further study should be made of the VanHoelbeck piece before
action is taken to commit such a sizable sum of money. Surely an
institution as old and venerable as this can take time to make certain that
contributions and endowments are wisely used.

"If the chair will consider a counter motion, I would like to move that the
purchase be delayed until an independent study can be made of the piece in
question by recognized authorities. Further I would like to add that I will
be personally responsible, through the Algara Group, to fund such a
study. If indeed the piece is discovered to be authentic and by
VanHoelbeck's hand I will contribute half of the purchase price."

There was an immediate uproar of conversation. The chairman gaveled the
meeting back to order. Charles' comments and Alejandro's offer had
galvanized the committee. The motion to buy was defeated. Alejandro's
substitute motion was resoundingly passed and the meeting quickly ended.

Later, as they showered after a vigorous session of fucking and sucking,
Charles observed that the member pushing the purchase was likely trying to
unload what he knew to be a student's work. They enjoyed their night on the
town, dining and clubbing until the very early hours of morning.

The sun was warm and bright when they landed in O'Hare. It was a welcome
relief to the cold that had dogged them all winter. Summer came and with it
a slower pace as people took vacation and moved to lakefront homes to enjoy
the brief season of warmth.

Charles made several trips to Lafayette to finalize arrangements for the
plantations and town house. The will was recorded and all the legal details
were tied up to his satisfaction. When the liquid assets and conservative
anticipated incomes from the farms were accounted for, Charles realized he
would likely never have to work for money. Of course he would pursue his
career but the latitude he now had gave him an element of freedom he'd
never enjoyed.

It was mid-September and the heat of summer began to dissipate from the
city. Alejandro and Charles found themselves eagerly anticipating the
October board meeting at the Met. New York was their favorite city to
visit, though both agreed it would take major adjustments to live there.

There were several acquisitions being considered. Charles invested hours of
research on each. Alejandro was pleased when, at the opening reception,
numerous people sought him out remembering his astute comments from a
previous meeting.

They enjoyed their extended stay with lots of playtime. Their visit to the
wrestling club on 42nd Street was entertaining but afforded no
opportunities other than ogling muscled bodies glistening with sweat. Both
men recalled the previous visit. They looked for the kid who'd tried to
hustle them. They compared the wrestlers they saw to the golden Aussi,
Eric. A very attractive piece of eye-candy; he was blond, tall, muscular
and a model who enjoyed a bit of a tumble on the mats. They visited the
same nightclub that Eric had turned them on to. Shirtless and sweaty they
merged with the mass of other men gyrating to the heavy pulse of the music.

It was late when they arrived at the condo, tipsy from drinking and
laughing. They shared sex in the shower and slept deeply. For the remainder
of their visit they continued to play tourist, eat wonderful meals and
revel in the pace of the city. Chicago was large and vibrant but nothing
compared to the raw energy of New York. They were sorry to see their time
end.

Chicago in fall can offer abrupt changes. Indian Summer days had quickly
given way to chill winds coming off Lake Michigan. It was always a jolting
reminder of how quickly the seasons could change.

The cycle began again with visits, meetings, and year-end requests for
money by various groups. What fired Alejandro's energy was the progress on
the housing front. There were numerous groups who wished to partner with
the venture and specific properties had been identified. Good news had
traveled fast. Proposals for consideration were coming in from the
Archdiocese, the Worker's Brotherhood and the Brothers at
St. Loyola's. Each had identified viable projects for consideration.

Alejandro arranged with Zach to send representatives from the three groups
in Chicago to study the San Francisco project. There they would meet all
the players and see how potential pieces of that successful project might
be incorporated in the Chicago projects being proposed. After hanging up
the phone from checking final details, Alejandro smacked his forehead with
the palm of his hand. He'd been focused on the bricks and mortar stage and
knew if the gardening component wasn't planned from the beginning there
would be expensive rework. The gardens were a must!

A quick call to Zach got him on board to have someone who specialized in
seasonal, greenhouse and container gardening for foodstuffs available to
meet with the Chicago delegation. On a hunch, Alejandro called John
O'Malley.

"Well how the heck are you, Bud. I'm hoping this call is to suggest we get
together for a workout and other recreational activities," John said with a
little laugh.

Alejandro realized how neglectful he'd been for months. You didn't treat
friends this way and John wasn't just a `fuck buddy'.

"John, please accept my apology. There are reasons, but no excuses. I enjoy
our workouts, both kinds," Alejandro said picking up on the hint. "I'm
calling to see if you have some information I need."

John and Alejandro had discussed the housing project on and off for months
as they'd phoned or during infrequent visits. He'd asked pertinent
questions and made good suggestions for the urban Chicago setting.
Alejandro just hoped he had some contacts who understood the elements of
greenhouse construction.

"John, you know the buildings we've been discussing. There's a gardening
component that is integral to the project. I need to find someone who works
with greenhouse construction for this growing zone. Also I need someone who
knows about plants, primarily vegetables." Alejandro's frustration came
through loud and clear.

"Got just the guy for you. The firm uses him often. He has credentials as a
landscape designer and has worked extensively with ornamentals, shrubs and
trees. That may be of interest in the general softening of the hardscape.
What you'll not see is his love for personal gardening. We've gotten to be
friends and I've been to his house often. He grows vegetables and flowers
nearly year-round. He'd probably go nuts getting his hands on a project
like I think you're talking about." John quickly warmed to the idea.

"Let me set up a meeting so the two of you can connect your vision with his
technical skills. I imagine he could become a key player if he has time to
get involved. This is no small thing you're doing," John said.

Before they concluded their conversation they scheduled a time to get
together for a workout. Alejandro couldn't wait to meet the guy. On his
end, as John cradled the phone, he smiled hoping the guys would hit it off
in a variety of ways. If they did Alejandro was in for a bit of a surprise.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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